Architect is back with five tips for the first day at Chester after landing a 55/1 double at Newmarket on Saturday.
14:05 Chester
I’m really liking the chances of BLINKY (best price 8/1), who is unbeaten in two starts for this stable. The way he travelled into contention on the bridle last time out before showing a smart turn of foot to pull clear of the field was extremely impressive.
He’s back on the turf off a 7lb higher mark, but he should get a really nice pace to aim at here, and he’s drawn well in stall 1. Given he’s on the improve, and remains unexposed on the turf whilst at the peak of his powers, I think the market has taken him for granted.
14:35 Chester
Having claimed this prize 12 months ago with Forest Fairy, Ralph Beckett has a good chance of going back-to-back with an interesting runner in the shape of THAT’S AMORE (best price 5/2),
She made her debut on testing ground at Newbury and bolted up by six lengths hard on the steel. This is tougher, but this Oaks entry will appreciate the extra yardage and must have an excellent chance.
15:05 Chester
Aidan O’Brien has a good record in this, so Lambourn must be respected, but the one who appeals the most to me is the unbeaten CONVERGENT (best price 4/1). Karl Burke appears to have a really smart sort on his hands based on how he’s gone about his business in two starts.
He’s looked like a bit of a monster to me, especially at Redcar over a mile and two furlongs last time out, where he won by more than four lengths without coming out of second gear. He’s up in grade but this longer trip could prompt further improvement and he’s been granted a good slot to work with.
Sam James rode Flight Plan to a lovely success last weekend at Thirsk and he will take the ride for the very first time. I’m not inclined to focus on ratings here, as to me, he’s impressed me the most of these. I rate him as a very decent value bet against the market leader.
15:40 Chester
There's plenty to like about the chances of Charlie Hill’s BOB MALI (best price 7/4). He won three of his four starts when formerly trained by Ollie Sangster, and although down the field in a Group 3 on his final start for him, he bounced back to form with a very good runner-up effort on stable debut three weeks ago.
Given it was his first run in nearly six months, the conditions race he won at Salisbury reads well, as he gave 4lb and a beating to the useful Marvelman, who boosted the form by finishing second to Cosmic Year in a Listed event at Newmarket.
Despite hanging left inside the final furlong, he still managed to win with plenty in hand, marking him down as a horse with plenty of ability. He’s drawn well in stall two here and William Buick is a notable jockey booking as well, so he’s worth an investment.
At a bigger price, the Hugo Palmer-trained CABELLEROSO (best price 9/1) looks interesting on handicap debut and should be spot on after a pleasing comeback run in a Listed race last time out.
His first appearance on a racecourse saw him finish runner-up to Columnist (now rated 100+) over C&D and while he underperformed next time out at Doncaster, he was back on track when scoring nicely at Chelmsford.
An opening mark of 89 doesn’t look excessive and he’s drawn handily in stall three, so a bold showing could be firmly on the cards, with Tom Marquand riding him for the first time. Four places widely available.
